Developing your Character through Trials (II):

“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2nd Corinthians 3:18).

This is the key Bible verse for the “Come and See” devotional today.

We learn from the first part of this message that not every challenge we face is the work of the devil or any of his desolate fallen angels. Usually, God is working out His plans for our lives. The first step towards liberty from every form of confinement or discomfort is one’s readiness to change. Isaiah 1:19 (Amplified Bible) states: “if you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land in life.”

God is particular about all the details of our lives. Nothing happens to us, either good or bad, that the Lord is not aware of, even as it happens. This brings to mind the remarkable account of Job in the Bible. Satan could neither touch him nor break the protection around him, until the Lord allowed him: “and the Lord said to Satan, Behold, he is in your hand; only spare his life.” (Job 2:6, Amplified Bible).

One might wonder why the Lord allowed Job to suffer at the hands of the devil. This was meant to bring out the best of his character. Job was a fearful man in constant fear that his children might stray away. He organized feasts for them on their birthdays to purify them. He would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to their number: “for Job said, it may be that my sons have sinned and cursed or disowned God in their hearts. Thus did Job at all (such) times.” (Job 1 verse 5, Amplified Bible).

His regular offering to God was intended to appease in advance for his sons’ errors. However, he should have known that the Lord is rich in Mercy. Lamentations 3 verse 22 (New King James Version) states: “through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.” As the Bible relates, Job’s trials only ended when he changed his attitude and learned to depend on God. He realised that only God could redeem people’s souls from destruction and not his daily sacrifices. He said: “for I know that my Redeemer lives and He shall stand at last on the earth. And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God.” (Job 19 verse 25-26, New King James Version).

It is hard for us all to know that God is faithful if our patience and absolute trust in Him have not been tested. How would you know that God is able to deliver if you have never been in chains before? The Lord is merciful only if you have experienced condemnation at some point in your life. The trial, crucifixion and glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ were for the gain of all mankind, for eternal salvation and victory over the enemy.

Let us pray: “Father, I receive grace and strength to recognise the change I need to make for my situation to change“ in Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.

This message was brought to you by Evangelical Ministries International (EMI). We know this message has been a blessing to you. Please share your testimonies with us by visiting our website www.evangelicalministries.org or contact us on info@evangelicalministries.org. God bless you!